After reaching the Qi Blood Fourth Layer, Chen Ping’an found his cultivation of Martial Arts Skills had accelerated. After his breakthrough, he practiced the Public Door Thirteen Sabers and the Flying Locust Stone three times each.

He gained 3 points of Cultivation Experience from each of the two techniques.

Seeing it was getting late, Chen Ping’an hastily washed up, finished his breakfast, and rushed out the door.

"Nannan, remember to get a big pork leg for tonight! If you can’t carry it, have the butcher deliver it. Don’t worry about paying a little extra silver."

Having just broken through a Martial Arts Realm, he needed a large amount of meat to nourish his Qi Blood.

"Okay, Big Brother," Chen Erya replied.

With Chen Ping’an’s Monthly Allowance having increased, their family’s meals were a step above what they used to be. Chen Erya knew her brother was practicing martial arts, so she wasn’t hesitant to spend the money.

Chen Ping’an hurried all the way to the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

His Martial Dao Cultivation had taken longer today, so he was running later than usual. By the time he reached the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, most of the other constables had already arrived, but thankfully, he wasn’t late.

Just as he reached the gate of the Garrison Commandant’s Office, someone else approached from the side. The man had a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a handlebar mustache.

Constable Zheng!

Chen Ping’an’s eyes narrowed.

’This scene feels so familiar.’

Constable Zheng looked up and saw Chen Ping’an walking toward the gate of the Garrison Commandant’s Office.

"Greetings, Constable Zheng."

Chen Ping’an smiled and greeted him.

Regardless, as an official constable, he was of a lower rank than Constable Zheng and was required to offer the first greeting.

At his words, Constable Zheng slowed his pace slightly, his eyes scanning Chen Ping’an from head to toe.

’What’s this old coot up to?’

Just as Chen Ping’an braced himself to relive their last encounter, he saw Constable Zheng’s gaze harden for a moment before the man strode calmly through the Garrison Commandant’s Office gates.

The fact that Constable Zheng didn’t react made Chen Ping’an’s heart sink.

He followed Constable Zheng through the gates. The moment he stepped inside, he felt numerous gazes land on him.

’It’s rare for an official constable to arrive after a Constable!’

Monkey Head, Da Shan, and Mr. Qin were among those watching him. Chen Ping’an shot them a reassuring glance.

Zheng Shiyong stood in the crowd, a sneer on his face as he watched Chen Ping’an.

’The donation silver assignments are being announced today, yet that punk Chen Ping’an is acting so casual.’

’Is he ignorant, or just stupid?’

’Hmph. You’re in for a rough time these next few days!’

’If you mess this up, you’ll be in for a world of hurt!’

Chen Ping’an took his position, and Zeng Jihe, standing beside him, greeted him quietly.

"Master Chen."

Chen Ping’an nodded slightly in response.

Cheng Yuan and Zhao Hu only glanced up at him without a word.

The two of them had been tolerable at first, but now they showed him no respect whatsoever. Of course, that was partly because Chen Ping’an had intentionally let them be.

Four Constables were present at the morning assembly, and Constable Zheng was the one to address the men.

’Neither the Inspector nor the Vice Inspector is here. Looks like the Ten Thousand Demons Sect business is finally settled! That means the high-pressure restrictions should be ending soon.’

While Constable Zheng spoke from the high platform, Chen Ping’an’s mind was turning below.

"Finally, one last announcement for everyone. The annual collection of the donation silver is about to begin. The relevant assignments have been decided and will be posted by the Task Room shortly.

The donation silver concerns the interests of the entire Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office. It is a matter of great importance. I expect everyone to treat this with the utmost seriousness! If I find out that someone’s mistake has caused a problem with the donation silver collection, I will show no mercy. The punishment will be severe!"

From the platform, Constable Zheng’s tone was exceptionally stern.

Seeing Constable Zheng’s severe expression, Chen Ping’an got the message loud and clear. ’Yep, that’s the stuff! It’s aimed right at me!’

"Alright, that’s all. Dismissed!"

As Constable Zheng finished his last sentence, the surrounding atmosphere grew lively.

"The donation silver! Once a year, it’s finally here again!"

"The donation silver is great, but collecting it... I really hope that thankless job doesn’t fall to me!"

"Yeah! It’s too hard! Huh, why are you so happy!?"

"Heh heh... I already asked around. It’s got nothing to do with us this year!"

"I’m so jealous!"

"..."

The moment the assembly ended, Zeng Jihe ran off to the Task Room to ask about the donation silver collection. He’d heard a rumor that their team was on the list for the task this time. But since nothing was official yet, he was still holding on to a sliver of hope.

Besides, even if they were assigned to collect the donation silver, which area they were sent to made a huge difference.

"Regular shops! Regular shops!"

Zeng Jihe chanted under his breath as he went.

"Aren’t you curious?" Chen Ping’an remained where he was, looking at the equally unfazed Cheng Yuan and Zhao Hu.

Cheng Yuan barely lifted his eyelids, ignoring Chen Ping’an.

Zhao Hu, however, did reply, though his tone was obviously meant to stir up trouble.

"What’s there to be curious about? No matter where we’re assigned, it’s Constable Chen’s responsibility! If Constable Chen is so worried, maybe you should go ask about it yourself!"

’Insubordinate! Truly insubordinate!’

’Good. Keep it up. Just keep it up! Your cushy days are about to be over!’

As it turns out, an arrogant and insubordinate underling is often a product of their superior’s careful nurturing.

Whatever he was thinking, Chen Ping’an’s expression played along perfectly, showing a flicker of displeasure.

"Zhao Hu! Watch your tone!"

"Constable Chen, was I wrong in what I said? Is this donation silver task not your responsibility? Is it ours? You’re an official constable of the Garrison Commandant’s Office; naturally, you should carry a heavier burden than us."

Faced with Chen Ping’an’s rebuke, Zhao Hu chose confrontation over compromise.

When they were first assigned to him, Zhao Hu wouldn’t have dared. But after a few days, he’d concluded that Chen Ping’an was a complete coward who had only become an official constable through sheer luck. He had no guts and no strength to back it up.

Coupled with Zheng Shiyong’s repeated hints, he now felt bold enough to be so defiant.

"Zhao Hu, you’ve gone too far!" Chen Ping’an pointed a finger at Zhao Hu’s nose, about to let loose a tirade.

But before he could, Cheng Yuan, who was standing to the side, chimed in to back up his partner.

"Constable Chen, Zhao Hu’s not wrong! Your Monthly Allowance is a lot more than what we two brothers get. When something comes up, it’s only natural you should do more!

And another thing, Constable Chen. Getting angry at the drop of a hat like this... you don’t have any of the composure an official constable should have."

Cheng Yuan sneered, his gaze provocative, "If Constable Chen really doesn’t know how to be an official constable, then I suggest you go find Constable Zheng and learn a thing or two from him!"

Hearing this, Chen Ping’an was inwardly delighted.

’Excellent! These two really have a way with words!’

Chen Ping’an’s face was a mask of fury. Cheng Yuan and Zhao Hu met his gaze without a shred of fear.

Besides his title of official constable, they had no reason to fear the man himself. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

He was just some brat who didn’t know the first thing about the Martial Dao. If it came to a real fight, forget Cheng Yuan—even Zhao Hu could take him down with ease.